Have we forgotten how to tell stories? I don’t mean fictional tales meant to entertain but stories from our own histories that give perspective, encouragement and guidance? Think for a moment of the Jewish passover feast which is celebrated to this day. This is a story that has been passed down for centuries from generation to generation telling of how the Jewish people were spared from the angel of death which lead to their exodus from slavery in Egypt. Yes, this is a historical event that happened thousands of years ago but this wasn’t always the case was it? For the Jewish people at that time they weren’t celebrating a historic religious event with people all over the the world. Rather, they were celebrating a life changing event, one that happened the previous year, with their friends and family.

I don’t remember the last time I sat down with my family to rehearse our history. What trials we’ve overcome or the losses we’ve endured. When I need encouragement or guidance in making a decision, I almost always look to the stories of others. Somehow it seems as though my family history has less impact and meaning than others if only because the time has not been taken to rehearse it. The reality is that, regardless of whether we acknowledge it or not, the stories of our past and the people in them have helped shape the way we think and the decisions we make. Maybe it’s time we sit down and reflect on where we’ve come from because those stories will not just impact our future but the future of those around us with whom we share the stories with.

When was the last time you shared or talked about a piece of your history?